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The City College of New York was the first college in The City University of New York system. Since its doors opened in 1847, the school prides itself on serving a diverse student body. When CCNY sought a new home it considered 40 different sites before selecting land between St. Nicholas Terrace and Convent Ave, stretching from 138th street to 140th in Hamilton Heights. This is where the school remains today. CCNY offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs along with 13 doctoral programs.9601280

The City College of New York was the first college in The City University of New York system. Since its doors opened in 1847, the school prides itself on serving a diverse student body. When CCNY sought a new home it considered 40 different sites before selecting land between St. Nicholas Terrace and Convent Ave, stretching from 138th street to 140th in Hamilton Heights. This is where the school remains today. CCNY offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs along with 13 doctoral programs.

Benjamin Dumas, flickr

Apollo Theater

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This state landmark was built in 1914. Its mission is to honor the influence and advance the contributions of African-American artists. It has various concerts, amateur night and educational programs. 9601280

This state landmark was built in 1914. Its mission is to honor the influence and advance the contributions of African-American artists. It has various concerts, amateur night and educational programs.

chokola, flickr

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Duke Ellington was a famous African-American composer who was best known for his contribution to jazz. To honor his memory a statue of him was unveiled in 1997. The statue by Robert Graham is 25 feet tall and depicts the Muses holding up a grand piano and Duke himself. It stands in the Duke Ellington Circle, a shallow amphitheater on 110th street, also known as the boundary between Central Park and Harlem. It is also the future site of the Museum for African Art.9601280

Duke Ellington was a famous African-American composer who was best known for his contribution to jazz. To honor his memory a statue of him was unveiled in 1997. The statue by Robert Graham is 25 feet tall and depicts the Muses holding up a grand piano and Duke himself. It stands in the Duke Ellington Circle, a shallow amphitheater on 110th street, also known as the boundary between Central Park and Harlem. It is also the future site of the Museum for African Art.

Jason Swaby, flickr

Make My Cake Bakery

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One of the sweetest landmarks of Harlem is Make My Cake. There are two locations -- one on St. Nicholas Ave and one on Adam C. Powell Blvd. The bakeries are a tribute to Josephine Smith ("Ma Smith") who combined southern baking traditions with Harlem soul. Thousands of people visit each year seeking their well-known German Chocolate and Red Velvet cakes and Sweet Potato Cheesecake.9601280

One of the sweetest landmarks of Harlem is Make My Cake. There are two locations -- one on St. Nicholas Ave and one on Adam C. Powell Blvd. The bakeries are a tribute to Josephine Smith ("Ma Smith") who combined southern baking traditions with Harlem soul. Thousands of people visit each year seeking their well-known German Chocolate and Red Velvet cakes and Sweet Potato Cheesecake.

Make My Cake

The Studio Museum

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The Studio Museum is a showcase for artists of African descent and for work that has been inspired and influenced by black culture. It has been open since 1968.9601280

The Studio Museum is a showcase for artists of African descent and for work that has been inspired and influenced by black culture. It has been open since 1968.

Ray A. Llanos

Lenox Lounge

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The Lenox Lounge has played a large role in Harlem's community since it opened in the late 1930s. The club served as the backdrop for many jazz legends. Today, it still showcase the best talent in jazz, along with a menu of amazing eats.9601280

The Lenox Lounge has played a large role in Harlem's community since it opened in the late 1930s. The club served as the backdrop for many jazz legends. Today, it still showcase the best talent in jazz, along with a menu of amazing eats.

Paul Sableman, flickr

Marcus Garvey Park

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In 1973, Mount Morris Park was renamed Marcus Garvey Park to honor the man who was an advocate of black nationalism and economic self-sufficiency. The park itself played a role in colonial times and was often referred to as Snake Hill because of its reptile population. British fortifications on the site of the park were used to guard the Harlem River during the Revolutionary War. Today the park is home to playgrounds, a community center, an amphitheater and a pool. 9601280

In 1973, Mount Morris Park was renamed Marcus Garvey Park to honor the man who was an advocate of black nationalism and economic self-sufficiency. The park itself played a role in colonial times and was often referred to as Snake Hill because of its reptile population. British fortifications on the site of the park were used to guard the Harlem River during the Revolutionary War. Today the park is home to playgrounds, a community center, an amphitheater and a pool.

Momos, Wikimedia Commons

The Maysles Cinema

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Located on Lenox Ave, the Maysles Cinema is the only independent film house north of Lincoln Center. The film house not only shows documentary films, but then encourages dialogue around it. Filmmakes are invited to attend the screenings and actively participate with the viewers afterwards. 9601280

Located on Lenox Ave, the Maysles Cinema is the only independent film house north of Lincoln Center. The film house not only shows documentary films, but then encourages dialogue around it. Filmmakes are invited to attend the screenings and actively participate with the viewers afterwards.

Romer Pedron and Karia Hill

Red Rooster

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The Red Rooster serves comfort food that celebrates the roots of American cuisine. It has a large dining room and bar. The head chef, Marcus Samuelsson won Top Chef Masters 2.9601280

The Red Rooster serves comfort food that celebrates the roots of American cuisine. It has a large dining room and bar. The head chef, Marcus Samuelsson won Top Chef Masters 2.

Paul Brissman

Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

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The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is a national research library (part of the New York Public Library system) devoted to collecting, preserving and providing access to resources documenting the experiences of peoples of African descent throughout the world. It houses over 10,000,000 items such as manuscripts, photos, books, videos and sheet music. It also sponsors programs and events that illuminate and illustrate the richness of black history and culture.9601280

The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is a national research library (part of the New York Public Library system) devoted to collecting, preserving and providing access to resources documenting the experiences of peoples of African descent throughout the world. It houses over 10,000,000 items such as manuscripts, photos, books, videos and sheet music. It also sponsors programs and events that illuminate and illustrate the richness of black history and culture.

Romer Pedron and Karia Hill

Chill Berry

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One of the newest landmarks in Harlem is Chill Berry, a frozen yogurt shop. With the belief that everyone should be able to eat healthy snacks, husband and wife team Jason and Tiffany Martin opened the store to help provide an alternative. The self-serve model allows customers to buy as little or much as they want. This is the first fro-yo store in Harlem. 9601280

One of the newest landmarks in Harlem is Chill Berry, a frozen yogurt shop. With the belief that everyone should be able to eat healthy snacks, husband and wife team Jason and Tiffany Martin opened the store to help provide an alternative. The self-serve model allows customers to buy as little or much as they want. This is the first fro-yo store in Harlem.

Romer Pedron and Karia Hill

Food for Life Supreme

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The Food for Life Supreme restaurants, including the 116th St location in NY, are all about health eating for the mind and body. They use quality ingredients and prepare them in a new, healthier manner. 9601280

The Food for Life Supreme restaurants, including the 116th St location in NY, are all about health eating for the mind and body. They use quality ingredients and prepare them in a new, healthier manner.

Romer Pedron and Karia Hill

Columbia University

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Columbia University was founded in 1754 as King's College by King George II of England. It's the oldest high learning institution in New York. In 1784 it became Columbia University and in 1897 it moved to its present location on Morningside Heights at 116th St. Today the school offers graduate and undergraduate programs along with law, medical and teaching schools.9601280

Columbia University was founded in 1754 as King's College by King George II of England. It's the oldest high learning institution in New York. In 1784 it became Columbia University and in 1897 it moved to its present location on Morningside Heights at 116th St. Today the school offers graduate and undergraduate programs along with law, medical and teaching schools.

skinnylawyer, flickr

Minton's Playhouse

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Minton's Playhouse was an iconic jazz venue that used to be part of the Cecil Hotel at 210 West 118th St. It has been closed but it is rumored that it will reopen in Spring 2012 as an entertainment complex with a club and lounge. The new owner wants to bring jazz back to the area.9601280

Minton's Playhouse was an iconic jazz venue that used to be part of the Cecil Hotel at 210 West 118th St. It has been closed but it is rumored that it will reopen in Spring 2012 as an entertainment complex with a club and lounge. The new owner wants to bring jazz back to the area.

Mr. 119th street, flickr

Chez Lucienne

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This French bistro is an unexpected surprise in Harlem. The owner fell in love with the area and decided to open an affordable French destination. The food and atmosphere have gotten great reviews and the restaurant seems to have filled a need in the city.9601280

This French bistro is an unexpected surprise in Harlem. The owner fell in love with the area and decided to open an affordable French destination. The food and atmosphere have gotten great reviews and the restaurant seems to have filled a need in the city.

Romer Pedron and Karia Hill

Hue-Man Bookstore

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The Hue-Man Bookstore is the largest African-American bookstore in the country. The store offers a variety of books, author appearances and community events. It strives to bring together members of the community and show others all the great things Harlem has to offer.9601280

The Hue-Man Bookstore is the largest African-American bookstore in the country. The store offers a variety of books, author appearances and community events. It strives to bring together members of the community and show others all the great things Harlem has to offer.

Romer Pedron and Karia Hill

Malcolm Shabazz, Harlem Market

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This permanent outdoor market is the place to go to find African crafts, clothing and art. It has a colorful and friendly atmosphere with reasonable prices.9601280

This permanent outdoor market is the place to go to find African crafts, clothing and art. It has a colorful and friendly atmosphere with reasonable prices.

Robyn Lee, flickr

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Photos

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Taraji P. Henson, Katrina Bowden, Linda Gray, Diana Ramirez and Eve (L-R) line up to walk the runway in New York City. The women get dolled up in their best red dress for the Heart Truth's Red Dress Collection 2011 at The Theatre at Lincoln Center during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.9601280

Taraji P. Henson, Katrina Bowden, Linda Gray, Diana Ramirez and Eve (L-R) line up to walk the runway in New York City. The women get dolled up in their best red dress for the Heart Truth's Red Dress Collection 2011 at The Theatre at Lincoln Center during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Heart Truth Red

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Julianne Hough, Ann Curry, Matthew McConaughey, Camila Alves and Gayle King (L-R) pose for a picture at the Heart Truth's Red Dress Collection 2011, an annual fashion show to encourage woman to lower their risk for heart disease. February is American Heart Month.9601280

Julianne Hough, Ann Curry, Matthew McConaughey, Camila Alves and Gayle King (L-R) pose for a picture at the Heart Truth's Red Dress Collection 2011, an annual fashion show to encourage woman to lower their risk for heart disease. February is American Heart Month.

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Heart Truth Red

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Project Runway Season 4 winner, Christian Siriano (center), poses with friends after his fall collection fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City.9601280

Project Runway Season 4 winner, Christian Siriano (center), poses with friends after his fall collection fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City.

Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for Kim Crawford Wines

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Rapper and actress Eve attends the Rebecca Minkoff Fall 2011 show at The Theater at Lincoln Center.9601280

Rapper and actress Eve attends the Rebecca Minkoff Fall 2011 show at The Theater at Lincoln Center.

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From the TV show Real Housewives of New York, Simon van Kempen and Alex McCord pose for a picture with their friend Patrick McDonald before the Academy of Art University's Fall 2011 fashion show.9601280

From the TV show Real Housewives of New York, Simon van Kempen and Alex McCord pose for a picture with their friend Patrick McDonald before the Academy of Art University's Fall 2011 fashion show.

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New York's Times Square has wall-to-wall signage for Broadway plays, commercial ads and more. Once known as Longacre Square, Times Square was created in 1904 when The New York Times moved into the neighborhood.9601280

New York's Times Square has wall-to-wall signage for Broadway plays, commercial ads and more. Once known as Longacre Square, Times Square was created in 1904 when The New York Times moved into the neighborhood.

Stephen Chernin/Getty Images

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A policeman directs traffic in front of the famous neon billboards of Times Square in New York City, at its intersection with Broadway.9601280

A policeman directs traffic in front of the famous neon billboards of Times Square in New York City, at its intersection with Broadway.

Hulton Archive/Getty Images

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This is the original Manhattan street sign from Wall Street and Broad Street from late 19th- to early 20th-century. The porcelain sign stood near the New York Stock Exchange and sold to a bidder for $116,500 at a Christie's auction.9601280

This is the original Manhattan street sign from Wall Street and Broad Street from late 19th- to early 20th-century. The porcelain sign stood near the New York Stock Exchange and sold to a bidder for $116,500 at a Christie's auction.

Mario Tama/Getty Images

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Tourists and locals alike are familiar with this sign plaster on most taxi cabs that swerve through the traffic in New York. It's also a good way to determine the cheaper route -- a taxi cab ride or a ride on the subway.9601280

Tourists and locals alike are familiar with this sign plaster on most taxi cabs that swerve through the traffic in New York. It's also a good way to determine the cheaper route -- a taxi cab ride or a ride on the subway.

Spencer Platt/Getty Images

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Take a peep at this! Peep-O-Rama, the last pornography store on 42nd Street in the New York's Times Square district, closed in 2002. Since the 1990's bars and porn theaters were replaced with cafés and tourist shops.9601280

Take a peep at this! Peep-O-Rama, the last pornography store on 42nd Street in the New York's Times Square district, closed in 2002. Since the 1990's bars and porn theaters were replaced with cafés and tourist shops.

Spencer Platt/Getty Images

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These colorful signs at Coney Island, located in Brooklyn, tout the circus-sideshow attractions at the seaside theme park. Coney Island has been a summer destination for millions of New Yorkers for generations.9601280

These colorful signs at Coney Island, located in Brooklyn, tout the circus-sideshow attractions at the seaside theme park. Coney Island has been a summer destination for millions of New Yorkers for generations.

Mario Tama/Getty Images

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You're looking at a piece of New York's history. It's an old subway sign and lamp post located in uptown near Fort Tryon Park.9601280

You're looking at a piece of New York's history. It's an old subway sign and lamp post located in uptown near Fort Tryon Park.

Tom O'Dea / iStockphoto

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What a big difference! Matching the big neon billboards and signs in Times Square, this brightly-lit sign, marked with specific train lines, is located at the subway entrance on 42nd Street.9601280

What a big difference! Matching the big neon billboards and signs in Times Square, this brightly-lit sign, marked with specific train lines, is located at the subway entrance on 42nd Street.

Terraxplorer / iStockphoto

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Two American soldiers and a civilian in a fedora watch workers on a scaffold hang a billboard advertisement featuring a woman's bare legs above the Winter Garden Theater and Café Zanzibar in 1944.9601280

Two American soldiers and a civilian in a fedora watch workers on a scaffold hang a billboard advertisement featuring a woman's bare legs above the Winter Garden Theater and Café Zanzibar in 1944.

Hulton Archive/Getty Images

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Sexy models are still part of New York's landscape. In SoHo, this provocative Calvin Klein billboard, with half-nude models, sparked a major controversy in the city.9601280

Sexy models are still part of New York's landscape. In SoHo, this provocative Calvin Klein billboard, with half-nude models, sparked a major controversy in the city.

Chris Hondros/Getty Images

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A few years ago, some tourists and locals were lucky enough to hop aboard this antique subway train from the 1930s. The train is still equipped with ceiling fans and wicker seats.9601280

A few years ago, some tourists and locals were lucky enough to hop aboard this antique subway train from the 1930s. The train is still equipped with ceiling fans and wicker seats.

Mario Tama/Getty Images

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Travelers, near and far, are familiar with the popular shirts and other merchandise that bear the "I Love New York" logo.9601280

Travelers, near and far, are familiar with the popular shirts and other merchandise that bear the "I Love New York" logo.

Spencer Platt/Getty Images

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Locals and tourists on the subway trains in New York are familiar with these signs. These mosaic-tile signs clearly mark the stations along any give subway train route.9601280

Locals and tourists on the subway trains in New York are familiar with these signs. These mosaic-tile signs clearly mark the stations along any give subway train route.

oversnap / iStockphoto

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The neon glow of the Radio City Music Hall marks it as a well-renowned location in New York City. It's a hot spot for people to enjoy the Rockettes and other performances by popular celebs.9601280

The neon glow of the Radio City Music Hall marks it as a well-renowned location in New York City. It's a hot spot for people to enjoy the Rockettes and other performances by popular celebs.

Mario Tama/Getty Images

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People walk past a 3-story billboard featuring porn actress Jenna Jameson in Times Square. The ad touts Jamison's web site with text reading "Who Says They Cleaned Up Times Square?"9601280

People walk past a 3-story billboard featuring porn actress Jenna Jameson in Times Square. The ad touts Jamison's web site with text reading "Who Says They Cleaned Up Times Square?"

Voyage of the Little Mermaid

Disney's The Little Mermaid comes to life at the Voyage of the Little Mermaid attraction at Hollywood Studios in Orlando. The live-action show tells an abridged version of the Disney film complete with actors, a 12-foot Ursula and, of course, water.9601280

Disney's The Little Mermaid comes to life at the Voyage of the Little Mermaid attraction at Hollywood Studios in Orlando. The live-action show tells an abridged version of the Disney film complete with actors, a 12-foot Ursula and, of course, water.

Disney

Mermaid Beach

Mermaid Beach

On the Gold Coast of Queensland, Australia, sits Mermaid Beach, famous for its "millionaire's row" of extravagant beachfront property. It's not named for other, more mythical inhabitants, though. It was named for the explorer John Oxley's HMS Mermaid which he sailed in 1823 when he discovered the nearby Tweed and Brisbane rivers.9601280

On the Gold Coast of Queensland, Australia, sits Mermaid Beach, famous for its "millionaire's row" of extravagant beachfront property. It's not named for other, more mythical inhabitants, though. It was named for the explorer John Oxley's HMS Mermaid which he sailed in 1823 when he discovered the nearby Tweed and Brisbane rivers.

Henry Lawford, flickr

International Mermaid Pageant

International Mermaid Pageant

A relatively new affair with its inaugural event in 2011, the International Mermaid Pageant at the Silverton Resort in Las Vegas consists of 2 parts: a mermaid round where contestants show off their best mermaid attire, and a regular pageant round, which is a little more familiar to most of us. 9601280

A relatively new affair with its inaugural event in 2011, the International Mermaid Pageant at the Silverton Resort in Las Vegas consists of 2 parts: a mermaid round where contestants show off their best mermaid attire, and a regular pageant round, which is a little more familiar to most of us.

Silverton Casino Hotel

Dive Bar

Dive Bar

Dive Bar in Sacramento, CA, is actually the total opposite of a typical dive bar, with its chandeliers and leather, high-back chairs. Dive Bar features a (human-sized) aquarium behind the bar, where mermaids and mermen make occasional appearances. 9601280

Dive Bar in Sacramento, CA, is actually the total opposite of a typical dive bar, with its chandeliers and leather, high-back chairs. Dive Bar features a (human-sized) aquarium behind the bar, where mermaids and mermen make occasional appearances.

Juan Fernando

MerPalooza

MerPalooza

Your go-to for all things mermaid, Vegas' MerPalooza is the biggest (only?) mermaid convention. With mermaid and pirate awards, over 70 vendors (including tail-makers) and a panel of speakers, MerPalooza is a must-see for mer-enthusiasts.9601280

Your go-to for all things mermaid, Vegas' MerPalooza is the biggest (only?) mermaid convention. With mermaid and pirate awards, over 70 vendors (including tail-makers) and a panel of speakers, MerPalooza is a must-see for mer-enthusiasts.

Silverton Casino Hotel

Silverton Casino Hotel

Silverton Casino Hotel

Home to the International Mermaid Pageant, the Silverton Casino in Las Vegas continues the mermaid appreciation year-round with its Mermaid Restaurant & Lounge and an 117,000-gallon aquarium that has been dubbed Vegas’ best free attraction, with mermaid performers and an interactive fish feeding show. 9601280

Home to the International Mermaid Pageant, the Silverton Casino in Las Vegas continues the mermaid appreciation year-round with its Mermaid Restaurant & Lounge and an 117,000-gallon aquarium that has been dubbed Vegas’ best free attraction, with mermaid performers and an interactive fish feeding show.

Silverton Casino Hotel

Mermaid's Casino

Mermaid's Casino

On the Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas, the Mermaid's Casino is a throwback to the classic days of Vegas -- it’s one the few remaining casinos with machines that pay out in actual money (as opposed to the vouchers at newer casinos). The casino also serves deep-fried Oreos and Twinkies, so watch your mer-figure. 9601280

On the Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas, the Mermaid's Casino is a throwback to the classic days of Vegas -- it’s one the few remaining casinos with machines that pay out in actual money (as opposed to the vouchers at newer casinos). The casino also serves deep-fried Oreos and Twinkies, so watch your mer-figure.

Time_anchor, flickr

Weeki Wachee Springs

Weeki Wachee Springs

A Florida state park, Weeki Wachee Springs is famous for its mermaids. The daily underwater spectacle features a retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid, and is just one of the attractions offered at the park.9601280

A Florida state park, Weeki Wachee Springs is famous for its mermaids. The daily underwater spectacle features a retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid, and is just one of the attractions offered at the park.

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid is an iconic statue in Copenhagen, Denmark, that was inspired by the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale. At only 4 feet tall, the bronze statue was unveiled in 1913.9601280

The Little Mermaid is an iconic statue in Copenhagen, Denmark, that was inspired by the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale. At only 4 feet tall, the bronze statue was unveiled in 1913.

Bert Kaufmann, flickr

Mermaid Inn

Mermaid Inn

The New York-based Mermaid Inn has 3 locations: the East Village, the Upper West Side and an oyster bar in Greenwich Village. All seafood, all the time, the small restaurants make it easy, and trendy, to eat like a mermaid. 9601280

The New York-based Mermaid Inn has 3 locations: the East Village, the Upper West Side and an oyster bar in Greenwich Village. All seafood, all the time, the small restaurants make it easy, and trendy, to eat like a mermaid.